Spotify names Yemi Alade as new EQUAL Africa champion

Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, has reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to empowering female artists through its EQUAL Africa programme.

In a statement made on Friday in Lagos, Okumu highlighted the importance of giving female musicians in Africa a platform to thrive and gain global recognition.

The EQUAL Africa initiative is part of Spotify’s broader efforts to support gender equity in the music industry, focusing on showcasing female talent that continuously pushes artistic boundaries.

Through this program, Spotify provides valuable exposure, resources, and tools to amplify the voices of female artists across the continent, ensuring that their contributions to the music scene are heard on a global scale.

This initiative reflects Spotify’s ongoing dedication to fostering a more inclusive and diverse music industry, particularly in regions where female artists may face additional challenges.

“Yemi Alade exemplifies the calibre of talent the programme aims to support.

“Spotify is proud to be associated with Yemi Alade and will continue to use the EQUAL Africa programme to support women

in music, amplify their voices and help to showcase their incredible talents to the global audience.”

Okumu pointed out that with a career that spanned over a decade, Alade established herself as one of the most prominent and influential female artists in the Nigerian music industry.

She said this had earned the Afropop sensation a dedicated fanbase, both at home and internationally.

She noted that the artiste’s electrifying performances and powerful voice also earned her recognition worldwide, allowing her to represent African music on international platforms.

She said “Alade’s undeniable talent and powerful voice has captivated audiences across continents, as she collaborated with global superstars

such as Beyoncé, Angélique Kidjo and Awilo Longomba.

“She has also toured the world, showcasing the rich beauty of African music, captivating audiences across continents and cultures.”

Meanwhile, Alade had described her kind of music as “a perfect blend of high-life pop, R’n’B and afrobeat.

“It is a beautiful blend that is inspired by a bit of jazz or blues here and there. If you listen closely you will pick the tones.

“I don’t like to be in a box, but I know that my music is a fusion of African sounds, and the core of my music is African rhythm.”